My boyfriend and I are planning to get married next May somewhere in Tuscany, where we intend to stay for about 1 week to settle the details of the ceremony and to explore a few towns.

After that week, we will have another 2.5 weeks for our honeymoon in Italy. We would like to go at least to Venice and the Amalfi Coast. I know the problem: they are in different directions from Tuscany. So, how should we organize ourselves? Will it be wise to go to Venice first and then fly to Naples? Or should we include Rome and train from Venice to Rome before the Amalfi Coast?

We haven't got any air tickets and assume that we can fly into anywhere and out of anywhere. So, at the moment, we are quite flexible. Thanks.

I know the perfect place for you to stay in Tuscany. It's set in the mountains, peaceful, beautiful, quiet, yet near to some lovely medieval towns if you want to explore. I have stayed there and it is just lovely, run by a couple in their 60's who really enjoy taking care of the place. The apartments are seperate from the main house, and they have every amenity including a clothes washer. There is an infinity swimming pool which overlooks the valley, and at night fireflies put on quite a show! We never wanted to leave!

From there, a train ride to the Cinque Terre, Lucca, Siena, Florence, or even Venice...

Here is their website if you are interested. It doesn't even do it justice... and the price is very reasonable too! www.lamandria.it

Hi maxi,

With 17 days you can easily see Venice, Rome and the AC.

I'm assuming that you will spend some time in Florence while you are in Tuscany.

You can fly into Florence, Pisa,Venice or Rome (in the order of convenience) and go to your Tuscany accomodations.

After the wedding I suggest going to Venice for 4 days, train to Rome for 5 days, train to Naples (you might want to visit for 2-3 days) and then on to the AC.

Fly out of Naples.

Or, Fly Venice to Naples end up in Rome.

townclose, thanks for the info. I have checked the website and it looks lovely.

ira, those're the itineraries I have in mind, although I tend to think that leaving the AC in the end will make it more relaxing. Do you think it is easy to pick up a rental car in the airport and drive straight to Tuscany after a long flight? Or is this too ambitious?

Hi maxi,

>Do you think it is easy to pick up a rental car in the airport and drive straight to Tuscany after a long flight?<

I wouldn't recommend it.

Part of my message disappeared.

Why not train to Florence, stay a few days and the get the car?

It will give you a chance to relax and get used to Italian ways before taking to the road.

Thanks, ira.

So, if I fly to the airport of Florence and train to the city, stay for a couple of days and pick up a car there, am I going back to drop my car in Florence after Tuscany and then from there train to Venice?

Hi maxi,

>if I fly to the airport of Florence and train to the city,

You don't train. There is bus service, but a cab will be only about 15E.

> stay for a couple of days and pick up a car there, am I going back to drop my car in Florence after Tuscany and then from there train to Venice?<

I suggest that you drive to Mestre (on the mainland) and drop the car at the train station. Then take the train into Venice (about 15 min).

I suggest this because the alternative is to drive into Venice and drop the car at the Pzza Roma, and then walk to the nearest Vaporetto stop.

You could drop the car in Florence and train to Venice, if you wish.

You can also drop off a car rental at Marco Polo Airport in Venice and then either take the Alilaguna or a water taxi into Venice.

It is usually advisable to not have an auto in Florence or Rome. We picked up our cars when it was time to leave the cities. Driving is a pain, and parking is even more a pain. But driving everywhere else is not difficult, it just depends on if you want to drive.

If you are planning on having a car in Tuscany, then drop it off when you go to Florence. Then you can train to Venice and train from Venice to Amalfi, ending your trip in Rome for a few days and flying out of there.

Italy will give you a great honeymoon whatever you decide to do.

If you decide to go straight from Venice to the Amalfi Coast, which would take, at a guess, a minimum of 7 hours, you might want to look into the discount airlines. Both www.volareweb.com and www.alpieagles.com fly from Venice to Naples, and the Internet fares can be very low. You should be aware, though, that Internet flights cannot be refunded or exchanged. Also, flights for May 2005 can probably only be booked starting in about January 2005.

If you decide to stop off in Rome, then it's probably simplest to take a Eurostar train from Venice to Rome.

And I agree totally with Lorac1127 that Italy will offer you a wonderful honeymoon whatever you decide to do.